Applying genetic algorithms to convoy scheduling

We present the results of our work on applying genetic algorithms combined with a discrete event simulation to the problem of convoy scheduling. We show that this approach can automatically remove conflicts from a convoy schedule thereby providing to the human operator the ability to search for better solutions after an initial conflict free schedule is obtained. We demonstrate that it is feasible to find a conflict free schedule for realistic problems in a few minutes on a common workstation or laptop. The system is currently being integrated into a larger Transportation Information System that regulates highway movement for the militaryIFIP International Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Theory and Practice - Industrial Applications of AIRed de Universidades con Carreras en Informática (RedUNCI

Applying genetic algorithms to convoy scheduling

We present the results of our work on applying genetic algorithms combined with a discrete event simulation to the problem of convoy scheduling. We show that this approach can automatically remove conflicts from a convoy schedule thereby providing to the human operator the ability to search for better solutions after an initial conflict free schedule is obtained. We demonstrate that it is feasible to find a conflict free schedule for realistic problems in a few minutes on a common workstation or laptop. The system is currently being integrated into a larger Transportation Information System that regulates highway movement for the militaryIFIP International Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Theory and Practice - Industrial Applications of AIRed de Universidades con Carreras en Informática (RedUNCI

POWTEX Neutron Diffractometer at FRM II - new perspectives for in-situ rock deformation analysis

EGU2012-13521 In Geoscience quantitative texture analysis here defined as the quantitative analysis of the crystallographic preferred orientation (CPO), is a common tool for the investigation of fabric development in mono- and polyphase rocks, their deformation histories and kinematics. Bulk texture measurements also allow the quantitative characterisation of the anisotropic physical properties of rock materials. A routine tool to measure bulk sample volumes is neutron texture diffraction, as neutrons have large penetration capabilities of several cm in geological sample materials. The new POWTEX (POWder and TEXture) Diffractometer at the neutron research reactor FRM II in Garching, Germany is designed as a high-intensity diffractometer by groups from the RWTH Aachen, Forschungszentrum Jülich and the University of Göttingen. Complementary to existing neutron diffractometers (SKAT at Dubna, Russia; GEM at ISIS, UK; HIPPO at Los Alamos, USA; D20 at ILL, France; and the local STRESS-SPEC and SPODI at FRM II) the layout of POWTEX is focused on fast time-resolved experiments and the measurement of larger sample series as necessary for the study of large scale geological structures. POWTEX is a dedicated beam line for geoscientific research. Effective texture measurements without sample tilting and rotation are possible firstly by utilizing a range of neutron wavelengths simultaneously (Time-of-Flight technique) and secondly by the high detector coverage (9.8 sr) and a high flux (�~1x10 7 n/cm2s) at the sample. Furthermore the instrument and the angular detector resolution is designed also for strong recrystallisation textures as well as for weak textures of polyphase rocks. These instrument characteristics allow in-situ time-resolved texture measurements during deformation experiments on rocksalt, ice and other materials as large sample environments will be implemented at POWTEX. The in-situ deformation apparatus is operated by a uniaxial spindle drive with a maximum axial load of 250 kN, which will be redesigned to minimize shadowing effects inside the cylindrical detector. The HT deformatione experiments will be carried out in uniaxial compression or extension and an upgrade to triaxial deformation conditions is envisaged. The load frame can alternatively be used for ice deformation by inserting a cryostat cell for temperatures down to 77 K with a triaxial apparatus allowing also simple shear experiments on ice. Strain rates range between 10-8 and 10-3 s-1 reaching to at least 50% axial strain. The deformation apparatus is designed for continuous long-term deformation experiments and can be exchanged between in-situ and ex-situ placements during continuous operation inside and outside the neutron detector

Measurement of calcite crystallographic-preferred orientations by magnetic anisotropy and comparison to diffraction methods

The anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) of rocks reflects the preferred orientations of minerals. Therefore AMS is a quick and easy way to characterize rock fabrics (Hrouda 1982,Borradaile 1988); the obtained result is also called the magnetic fabric of the rock. The method has been often used to measure the orientation of ferromagnetic minerals, mainly magnetite, but in recent studies it has been increasingly used to measure textures of paramagnetic minerals as phyllosilicates (Lüneburg et al. 1999, Cifelli et al. 2004). A further application is the measurement of diamagnetic textures, especially calcite textures. Calcite is suitable for the AMS method, because it has a high magnetic anisotropy with the minimum susceptibility along the crystallographic c-axis. Therefore a preferred orientation of the c-axes, which can be induced by deformation, generates a magnetic fabric...conferenc

Correlation of magnetic fabric and crystallographic preferred orientations of naturally deformed carbonate — mica rocks from the Alpi Apuane in Italy and the Damara Orogen in Namibia

The anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) is a time-efficient method to describe crystallographic preferred orientations of rocks and has been applied in a wide field of sedimentary, metamorphic and magmatic geology. The method, however, suffers from limitations which mainly result from the interference of diamagnetic, paramagnetic and ferromagnetic fabrics (de Wall 2005) — the term ferromagnetism is used in a wider sense here, including e.g. ferrimagnetism. The AMS is an integral parameter which describes a crystallographic preferred orientation as an ellipsoid. The quantitative correlation of the AMS with the crystallographic preferred orientations should help to allow a closer view at the applicability and the limitations of the AMS analysis (see also Schmidt et al. 2006 a, b)... The results of this study are based on a large variety of fabric types of carbonate-mica marbles and mylonites, i.e. varying mica content, grain sizes, grain shapes, types and intensities of the crystallographic preferred orientation. The presented first correlations of the AMS and CPO for the single mineral phases in general demonstrate a good matching. Regarding the comparison of texture types and the AMS, limitations are possible. While single c-axis maxima and girdle-like c-axis distributions can be also distinguished by the AMS, it is obvious that distinguishing between these types and the double c-axis type is not possible at the present stage.conferenc

Heterotrimeric G-protein subunit Gαi2 contributes to agonist-sensitive apoptosis and degranulation in murine platelets

Gαi2, a heterotrimeric G-protein subunit, regulates various cell functions including ion channel activity, cell differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis. Platelet-expressed Gαi2 is decisive for the extent of tissue injury following ischemia/reperfusion. However, it is not known whether Gαi2 plays a role in the regulation of platelet apoptosis, which is characterized by caspase activation, cell shrinkage and cell membrane scrambling with phosphatidylserine (PS) translocation to the platelet surface. Stimulators of platelet apoptosis include thrombin and collagen-related peptide (CoRP), which are further known to enhance degranulation and activation of αII bβ3-integrin and caspases. Using FACS analysis, we examined the impact of agonist treatment on activation and apoptosis in platelets drawn from mice lacking Gαi2 and their wild-type (WT) littermates. As a result, treatment with either thrombin (0.01 U/mL) or CoRP (2 μg/mL or 5 μg/mL) significantly upregulated PS-exposure and significantly decreased forward scatter, reflecting cell size, in both genotypes. Exposure to CoRP triggered a significant increase in active caspase 3, ceramide formation, surface P-selectin, and αII bβ3-integrin activation. These molecular alterations were significantly less pronounced in Gαi2-deficient platelets as compared to WT platelets. In conclusion, our data highlight a previously unreported role of Gαi2 signaling in governing platelet activation and apoptosis.Fil: Cao, Hang. Universität Tübingen; AlemaniaFil: Qadri, Syed M.. Canadian Blood Services; Canadá. McMaster University; CanadáFil: Lang, Elisabeth. Heinrich-heine-universität Düsseldorf; AlemaniaFil: Pelzl, Lisann. Universität Tübingen; AlemaniaFil: Umbach, Anja T.. Universität Tübingen; AlemaniaFil: Leiss, Veronika. Universität Tübingen; AlemaniaFil: Birnbaumer, Lutz. National Institutes of Health; Estados Unidos. Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina "Santa María de los Buenos Aires". Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas; ArgentinaFil: Nürnberg, Bernd. Universität Tübingen; AlemaniaFil: Pieske, Burkert. Berlin Institute of Health; Alemania. Universitätsmedizin Berlin; AlemaniaFil: Voelkl, Jakob. Berlin Institute of Health; Alemania. Universitätsmedizin Berlin; AlemaniaFil: Gawaz, Meinrad. Universität Tübingen; AlemaniaFil: Bissinger, Rosi. Universität Tübingen; AlemaniaFil: Lang, Florian. Universität Tübingen; Alemania. Heinrich-heine-universität Düsseldorf; Alemani

Applying genetic algorithms to convoy scheduling

We present the results of our work on applying genetic algorithms combined with a discrete event simulation to the problem of convoy scheduling. We show that this approach can automatically remove conflicts from a convoy schedule thereby providing to the human operator the ability to search for better solutions after an initial conflict free schedule is obtained. We demonstrate that it is feasible to find a conflict free schedule for realistic problems in a few minutes on a common workstation or laptop. The system is currently being integrated into a larger Transportation Information System that regulates highway movement for the militaryIFIP International Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Theory and Practice - Industrial Applications of AIRed de Universidades con Carreras en Informática (RedUNCI